Nagaoka Tenmangū (長岡天満宮) in Kyoto that venerates Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) is one of the top Tenmangū shrines in Japan. Unlike other Tenmangū shrines, the one in Nagaoka has a wooden statue of Michizane that he made himself as the subject of worship. On the vast grounds of approximately 20,000 square meters, you can enjoy […]
Nagaoka Tenmangū: The Shrine With a Splendid Azalea Approach Read More »
Among the five lagoon lakes in Ishikawa Prefecture, Lake Kiba (木場潟) is the most stunning and the only one left in its original natural state. On a clear day, you might find many photographers at the west of the lake with professional cameras. The reflection of one of the Top Three Sacred Mountains in Japan,
Lake Kiba: The Most Scenic Lagoon Lake in Close to Kanazawa Read More »
Hakusan City (白山市) is a city in Ishikawa Prefecture filled with breathtaking scenery. One of Japan’s most sacred mountains, Mt. Hakusan, stands on one side of it. Naturally, the city has numerous hiking trails with various difficulties that suit a wide range of age groups. It also features one of Japan’s best places for paragliding.
Hakusan City – A Paradise for Hikers and Paragliders Read More »
Maizuru City (舞鶴市), facing the Sea of Japan, is located in the northern section of Kyoto Prefecture. While the rest of Kyoto is largely adorned with traditional buildings from eras up to the end of the Edo period, Maizuru City embodies the history of Japan after the modernization that occurred during the Meiji era.
Maizuru City – The Stunning Former Base of the Japanese Navy Read More »
Towards the north end of Kyoto’s city center in Katagamine (鷹ヶ峰), Shōzan Resort Kyoto (しょうざんリゾート京都) is where the locals would visit for a stylish getaway. The area is also where you can feel the history of Kyoto. The water from the Kamiyagawa River (紙屋川) flowing through the resort was used to make paper for the
Shōzan Resort Kyoto: The Hidden Gem for a Traditional Garden Read More »
If you are a history buff or enjoy Japanese gardens, Chishaku-in (智積院) is an ideal spot to visit. The temple was initially built to pray for Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s first son. While the garden isn’t particularly spacious, it is the second closest publicly accessible garden to Kyoto Station that has been designated as one of the
Chishaku-in: The Must-Visit Hidden Gem Near Kyoto Station Read More »
Japan really is a great island country for its fantastic scenery. One of them is the Takeda Castle Ruins (竹田城), located up in Mt. Kojōzan (古城山) in Hyōgo Prefecture (兵庫県). Castle ruins may not sound too exciting or appealing to some people, but the location and its rich history got it ranked as one of
Takeda Castle – The Hidden Castle Ruins in the Sky Read More »
If you are looking for resorts during your visit to Kansai, consider Kannabe Kōgen in Hyōgo Prefecture‘s Toyooka City! It is a plateau located in the outer ring of Mt. Kanabe (神鍋山) and is known as one of the leading ski resorts in Kansai. When the breath of spring releases the Kannabe Kōgen from the
Kannabe Kōgen – The Crater and Other Astonishing Landscapes Read More »
Tatsuno City (たつの市), also known as Harima Province’s “Little Kyoto” (播磨の小京都), is a lovely city with a historical and tranquil atmosphere. Situated along the coast, quite a few of the attractions in the city come with a panorama view of the Seto Inland Sea, including a forest of plum blossoms. The city is also where
Tatsuno City – The Perfect Place to Enjoy the Four Seasons Read More »
During your time at Kinosaki Onsen, how about a side trip to Genbudō Park (玄武洞公園), which has some amazing landscapes created by volcanic activity 1.6 million years ago? Although the park is called Genbudō, which means Genbu Cave, it actually has five basalt caves, each named after one of the four Chinese mythological divine beasts.
Genbudō Park – The Best Basalt Park with NS Pole Reversed Read More »
